We told our usually grateful son that we had a gift for him on the desk in his room. I knew he would love the gift card from his favorite store. He went upstairs to his room, and I waited on the steps eager to hear his excited thanks. I wanted to share in his joy.

I waited, but there was no response. He had gone on to do other things. He thanked us later, but as I waited, I gained a new understanding of why God asks us to thank Him.

God "richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment" (1 Timothy 6:7). It must give Him great pleasure to provide what will give us joy. Could it be that He then anticipates the joy of sharing our enthusiasm and our happiness when we offer our thanks?

Jesus healed ten lepers but only one came back to say "Thank you!" When He asked, "Where are the nine lepers?" I don't think He was checking on their thanksgiving quotient. He was disappointed He didn't get to enjoy seeing their thrill of being healed.

Since waiting on the stairs for my son's thank you, I like to think that when I thank Jesus for what He has done, in those moments, He is enjoying the pleasure of seeing my happiness.

Thank You, Jesus, not just for graciously providing all things for me to enjoy but also for caring enough to watch for my grateful and happy response.

"Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?" (Luke 17:18).